What We Do
We train incarcerated men in the trades to give them greater opportunities once they're released.
516
TOTAL CREW MEMBERS WHO HAVE ENTERED THE PROGRAM
140
CREW MEMBERS WHO HAVE EARNED A CERTIFICATE
75
TOTAL CREW MEMBERS ON SITE
5
CREW MEMBERS RECIDIVATED
How It Works
Homes for Iowa trains incarcerated men in construction trades by building single family homes, and the sale revenue from those homes covers the cost of training. Participation is completely voluntary.
In our program, men are exposed to all aspects of the homebuilding process, including (but not limited to) workplace safety, fall protection, power tools, jobsite math, and hand tools. Crew members are also allowed to specialize in a trade, and many earn special certifications.
While not every HFI crew members pursues a career in the trades once they're released, the habits they build as part of our program is instrumental to adjusting to life outside of the program.
Testimonials
I wanted to thank you for your support while I was in prison. I also wanted to thank you for holding the job fair while I was there. I was able to reconnect with an employer and he offered me a job. I probably would not have made that connection if I had not seen them at the job fair! Thank you so much for making that happen!
J.H., Crew Member
Homes for Iowa made our housing development possible. The home's quality makes a great value proposition, and the homes will only appreciate over time. Every community in Iowa should be looking at Homes for Iowa to help meet their development needs.
M.N., Developer
Just wanted to let you guys know i Started my own company and I am remodeling for a rental investor. I'm doing a complete remodel on a home that was trashed by the tenants. I've done a lot of trim work, I stained over 100 picture frames and 20 floating shelves for a brand new chiropractic office in west Des Moines. I am so thankful for the skill you all taught me!
